Wedge Pillows and Raising the Head of the Bed for Nighttime Heartburn

Heartburn that wakes you up or leaves a sour taste in the morning is a common reason women shop for wedge pillows and bed risers. Here is what a gastroenterology guideline says about sleep position and nighttime reflux.

What the guideline suggests

The American College of Gastroenterology’s 2022 guideline:¹

• Suggests elevating the head of the bed for nighttime reflux symptoms. Several studies, including randomized trials, found that raising the bed or sleeping on a wedge improved nighttime symptoms and acid exposure. The recommendation is conditional, based on low-quality evidence.
• Suggests not eating within 2 to 3 hours of bedtime. A short interval between eating and lying down is linked with more symptoms and more need for medicine.
• Recommends weight loss for people who are overweight.

An earlier review also found that raising the head of the bed and lying on the left side reduced acid exposure in the esophagus.²

Which side to sleep on

The guideline notes that lying on the right side increases nighttime reflux compared with the left side.¹ Lying on your left side may help.

Wedge pillow or bed risers?

Both aim to keep your upper body higher than your stomach. Studies have used both raising the bed and sleeping on a wedge.¹

	Wedge pillow	Bed risers under the head legs
Setup	On top of the mattress	Lifts the whole bed frame
Partner	Only your side changes	Both sides tilt
Travel	Portable	Stays at home

Whatever you choose, aim for a gentle, even slope from the waist up rather than just bending your neck.

When to see a clinician

Get checked promptly for trouble swallowing, weight loss, bleeding, vomiting or anemia.¹ If you take a daily acid reducer and still have nighttime symptoms, ask about adjusting treatment. The guideline mentions adding a bedtime H2 blocker for some people.¹ Our guides to heartburn and GERD and the heartburn aisle cover medicines.

Bedtime checklist

1. Finish dinner 2 to 3 hours before bed.¹
2. Raise the head of the bed or use a wedge.¹
3. Try sleeping on your left side.¹
4. Track nights with and without changes to see what helps.

Try: “Heartburn wakes me up three nights a week. Would raising the head of my bed help, and should we change my medicine or check for something else?”

Did I Do That in My Sleep? includes a 14-Night Lights-Out Record and a Visit Brief. Use them to track dinner times, sleep position and nighttime heartburn. See the book.